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Breaking the silence on men’s mental health

Following on from R U OK? Day, it’s important to remember that starting a conversation doesn’t end there. Men everywhere are talking more, opening up, and helping reduce the stigma around mental health — and that’s something worth building on every day.

The Reality of Men’s Mental Health in Australia

Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions: Around 43% of Australian men have experienced a mental health problem in their lifetime.
Suicide Rates: Men account for around three-quarters of suicide deaths in Australia. In 2023, there were 3,264 deaths by suicide, with men having a higher age-standardised suicide rate (18.2 per 100,000) compared to women (5.9 per 100,000).
Help-Seeking Behavior: Encouragingly, there has been a rise in help-seeking behavior among men in recent years. Nearly 30% of Australians engaged with a support provider in 2025, up significantly from the year before. This increase reflects growing awareness, reduced stigma, and the role of supportive initiatives that create safe spaces for men to talk.

You’re Not Alone

Strength isn’t about staying silent. It’s about sharing, connecting, and knowing you don’t have to carry the weight by yourself. Every time a man says “I’m not okay,” it chips away at stigma and creates space for others to do the same.

Here at Work Happy, it’s heartening to see more and more men reaching out each day. This not only reflects their bravery but also sets an important example, showing others that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. By openly reaching out, we can role model healthy behaviors, share the benefits of connection, and collectively reduce the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.

The Barriers Men Still Face

Despite the progress, many men continue to face obstacles when it comes to seeking help:

Stigma and Judgment: Deeply ingrained cultural expectations often frame vulnerability as weakness, making it harder for men to open up.
Fear of Burdening Others: Many men worry about being a “burden” to family, friends, or colleagues if they share their struggles.
Delayed Help-Seeking: Men are more likely to wait until a crisis point before reaching out for support, reducing the chances of early intervention.
Lack of Tailored Services: Some men feel existing services don’t speak to their unique needs or experiences, limiting engagement.

Addressing these barriers means continuing to normalize conversations, highlight role models, and ensure mental health services are welcoming, accessible, and relevant to men from all walks of life.

Where Men Find Connection

Men’s Sheds: Community spaces across Australia where men can build, chat, and belong.
The Men’s Table: Monthly gatherings for honest conversation over a meal.
Grab Life by the Balls: A Sunshine Coast-based charity that seeks to improve men’s mental health through informal social events centered around BBQs and coffee catch-ups.